Pocono politicos run for cover on gun issue

Wednesday

Jan 16, 2013 at 12:01 AMJan 16, 2013 at 12:46 PM

It's duck and cover for many Pocono politicians as the debate over gun control ramps up following last year's mass shootings in Connecticut and Colorado. Two themes dominated lawmakers' answers: Devoting greater resources to mental health treatment and pledges of support of the Second Amendment.

HOWARD FRANK

It's duck and cover for many Pocono politicians as the debate over gun control ramps up following last year's mass shootings in Connecticut and Colorado.

While several politicians the Pocono Record contacted Monday and Tuesday were in favor of some changes in current gun laws, few offered specifics and three did not respond.

Two themes dominated lawmakers' answers: Devoting greater resources to mental health treatment and pledges of support of the Second Amendment.

We asked state and federal lawmakers what changes, if any, they would support to state laws governing the sale of assault weapons, high-capacity magazines and ammunition.

U.S. senators and congressmen were asked about universal background checks and a federal assault gun and high-capacity magazine ban.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey supported changes that would limit the flow of some weapons.

He hedged his support for the federal expansion of universal background checks for all gun, magazine and ammunition purchases.

"We should examine a number of steps to ensure guns are kept out of the hands of criminals," the Democrat said. "In Pennsylvania, background checks are already required for more purchases than under federal law."

Casey supported the reinstatement of a ban on military-style weapons and high-capacity magazines, calling it "two commonsense steps I would support."

And he didn't support weapons in the classroom. But he did add he was a "strong supporter of the Second Amendment."

U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, R-10, like many, cited his Second Amendment support for the lawful ownership of guns. But Marino focused on the failures of implementing current gun laws.

"We need to examine how the Department of Justice can best enforce the current laws and why federal weapons prosecutions have dramatically decreased under the Obama administration before we begin talking about implementing additional regulations at the expense of law-abiding citizens," he wrote.

"Connecticut gun laws are some of the most aggressive and restrictive in the nation, but that did not prevent an individual from illegally obtaining firearms from a lawful owner."

Marino, like most others responding, said mental health issues played a role in gun violence. But he went a step further, citing social factors too.

"There are multiple factors at play here — school security, mental health, the extreme pervasiveness of violence in our society's culture, excessive gun use in video games, movies and television — and to focus only on one part of a greater problem will do nothing to address the fundamental issue at hand."

But Marino was clear on one thing: "I do not know what the administration will propose in the coming days and months, but I will continue to oppose any attempts to infringe upon Americans' constitutional right to lawfully bear arms."

We also asked state lawmakers if they supported a bill about to be introduced by state Rep. Ronald Waters, D-Philadelphia, that would mostly ban assault-like weapons capable of automatic, semi-automatic and burst fire capabilities.

Most lawmakers refused to address the question directly.

"Gun control laws have not proven successful in the past," said state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29. "The evil massacre that occurred in Newtown, Conn., revived the public debate on violence and mental health. It is my hope that we can find more effective ways to curb violence than policies that have failed."

State Sen. John Yudichak, D-14, wrote: "I have been and remain a supporter of the Second Amendment that protects the rights of Pennsylvanians to lawfully and responsibly own a firearm. The debate about preventing senseless violence in our communities should include gun safety, but it also must include more of comprehensive dialogue about investments we need to make in our local law enforcement system, our mental health system and our schools."

Yudichak supported the closing of the straw purchase loophole that enables a person to purchase a gun for someone else.

Statte Sen. Pat Browne, R-16, said he will continue to support criminal and mental health history background checks for firearms purchases. But he's skeptical of any new legislation until the enforcement of current laws are determined to be adequate.

"Furthermore, in order to honor state and federal constitutional provisions regarding gun ownership while effectively addressing gun violence, all other legislative actions must be taken in line with a thorough review of the current enforcement of existing gun laws and the effectiveness of the current mental health treatment and intervention system in regards to access to firearms."

"I support universal background checks for gun purchases," he wrote. "Further, I've agreed to co-sponsor Rep. Waters' bill to ban military assault-style weapons. Finally, I strongly oppose the proposal to allow teachers and school administrators to be armed."

Carroll said he welcomed a discussion on mental illness "and the intersection of gun ownership and citizens dealing with mental illness." He would also welcome a discussion related to magazine capacity.

State Sen. Mike Peifer, R-139, wants to wait to see what the White House will propose.

"We don't have to jump to any conclusions. I think it's a little premature until we find what the federal government's plans are at this point."

Peifer voiced his support of the Second Amendment and said he was talking to school employees, law enforcement and other legislators. "I'm in the process of listening," he said. "I'm not an expert in this area."

State Rep. Mario Scavello, R-176, also wanted to wait to hear the federal government's recommendations.

"What good is one state putting things in if the neighboring state doesn't?" he said. "I think the feds need to address it, and I'd like to see what they come up with."

Scavello would not co-sponsor Water's bill. But he doesn't see a problem with a teacher with a carry permit bringing a gun into a school.

"Why should they be told they shouldn't have it at the school?" he said. "I wouldn't have a problem with that at all."

State Rep. Rosemary Brown tempered her response to new control measures while acknowledging the constitutional right to own firearms.

"I do not think there is a single cure to the seeming epidemic of gun violence our country has witnessed," she wrote. "There are many issues to deal with, and I intend to review any and all gun control proposals with careful scrutiny. I do intend to work hand-in-hand with member of all political parties to support sensible measures to keep guns out of the hands of criminals while respecting the rights of law-abiding Pennsylvania gun owners and sportsman."

She also said mental health issues are key to a solution to gun violence.

"I do believe that the type of violence we have experienced in our country most recently, which included Newtown, Conn., is demonic and it just doesn't happen unless someone is truly mentally sick."

State Sens. Lisa Boscola and Lisa Baker and U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey did not respond to requests for comment made Monday and Tuesday.